General Education at GustavusChanges to our Academic Terms

New Academic Calendar

  • Fall and Spring terms: Starting in Fall 2024, Gustavus is simplifying with two traditional terms – Fall and Spring. Say goodbye to January Term, but don't worry, some of our best J-Term experiences are moving to summer.
  • Summer Term expansion: Say hello to new summer options! Courses, especially study away, previously in January, are now part of an expanded Summer Term. 
  • No more Saturday finals: Final exams on Saturdays are a thing of the past. Yes, we are excited too.
  • Upcoming Semesters:
    • Fall 2024: September 3-December 20
    • Spring 2025: January 13-May 2

Why the change?

  • Student voices matter: We heard that late spring classes made summer jobs and internships challenging. This new calendar aligns better with other schools, like the University of Minnesota.
  • Cost considerations: To keep things financially sustainable, our choices were to end J-Term or to do what other schools have done and charge for it. We chose the former, ensuring the best J-Term opportunities move to the summer.

What do I need to do?

  • No action needed: Just mark your calendar for Spring 2025 starting on January 13. Enjoy a full three-week break between Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.